Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has revealed that new signing Jaidon Anthony was “really desperate” to join the Whites when the opportunity presented itself late into the summer transfer window.
In a late deadline-busting move on Friday evening – one which could only be completed through the submission of a deal sheet – former Leeds winger Luis Sinisterra made the season-long loan switch to Bournemouth, with the West Yorkshire club receiving Anthony, also on loan, in return.
Anthony has made three Premier League appearances for the Cherries this season and comes with a considerable amount of Championship experience, having been a crucial part of the Bournemouth side which secured promotion to the top-flight in 2022.
And whilst the nature of Sinisterra’s departure may have left a bitter taste in the mouth of many Leeds supporters, replacing him with Anthony appears to have softened the blow somewhat.
Farke also seems particularly happy with this very late bit of transfer window business, as he discussed the nature of the transfer with Leeds Live.
“I think with Jaidon Anthony we found the best possible option because he’s a proven Championship player, he’s delivered with many good performances for Bournemouth on this level.
“He has started the first games on Premier League level and has played so many games in Premier League level, brilliant lad, also really desperate to be here.
“He’s still an age where he can improve. You can’t compare him with Luis because he was a proven international player and Jaidon is still young, we want to improve and want to work with him but he has also lots of quality and lots of potential to work with him.”
Leeds appear to not only be investing in natural talent and potential to develop in Anthony, then, but also – perhaps most importantly – the 23-year-old is desperate to pull on the famous White shirt.
Given the late nature of his transfer Anthony was not able to feature in the Whites’ frustrating 0-0 draw with Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday over the weekend, but will be firmly in contention for a role in Farke’s starting XI following this week’s international break.
